Ep 201 - Alaska: 49th & Fly

““Tradition, culture, community, family. No matter where we are, the connection to our loved ones remains just as pure.” —Ernest White II

Ernest ventures north, to the State known as The Last Frontier, to explore the majestic fjords and temperate rainforest of Ketchikan, goes hiking along the forest trails of Denali National Park, flies over the Arctic Circle, and learns about Tlingit culture and family traditions in Sitka.

Alaska is the largest US State, comprising more total area than Texas, California, and Montana combined, and has a longer coastline than all the other US states combined!

The adventure starts with a birdseye view of the Misty Fjords via seaplane with pilot Dave Doyon, Jr. Ernest then meets up with Billy Joe Thomas, Assistant General Manager of the Cape Fox Lodge to learn about the origins of Ketchikan, and samples some of the local delicacies, such as Alaskan Dungeness and King crab.

Ernest meets up with Park Ranger Monica Magari for a trek along one of the many hiking trails in Denali National Park, and chats with Avian Care Specialist Hannah Blanke at the Alaska Raptor Center to learn about bird rehabilitation.

Ernest’s friend Rachel Roy invites him to join her for a family BBQ and discusses how traditions are passed down from generation to generation, keeping heritage and connections alive.